Duke Baney

Duke Baney, 74, died on June 25, 2005, at his home in Eureka.

He was born on March 15, 1931, at Libby, to Frank and Victoria Dunstan Baney, and attended Libby schools until moving to Eureka, graduating from Lincoln County High School in 1949.

Duke served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and following his honorable discharge in 1954, returned to the Tobacco Valley.

He married Ann Skelly of Eureka in June 1955. Duke operated the family ranch near Eureka for many years and later owned and operated Baney Meats in Eureka until selling the business in 1997.

Always active in community affairs, Duke served for 18 years on the Rural Electric Association board of directors. He also served on the board of the Interbel Telephone Cooperative.

He enjoyed hiking, hunting and fishing in the mountains surrounding the Tobacco Valley. He also enjoyed model railroads.

Last Saturday, June 18, Duke and Ann observed their golden wedding anniversary.

Survivors include his wife Ann, Eureka; children Matt Baney, Kent, Wash.; Russ Baney and his wife Rebecca, Port Hope, Mich.; Scott Baney, Gregg Baney and his wife Tina, and Paula Bamey, all of Eurela; sister June Woffenden and her husband Slim, Eureka, five grandchildren, Candice, Katrin, Frank, Jake and Daymond, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Eureka with the Rev. Carl Pershall officiating. Memorials may be made to the Joey Kendall assistance fund, in care of Glacier Bank of Eureka, Box 326, Eureka 59917. Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Eureka.